Chapter 5: The Storm Approaches

Late at night, Zhang Xing stood atop the earthen wall at the village entrance, pulling his worn-out cotton coat tighter against the cold wind. The other villagers were asleep, but he couldn't find peace. Although today's victory had secured their safety for the time being, Zhang Xing knew that the days ahead wouldn't be so calm.

Li He approached, holding a small oil lamp. "Still awake?" he asked with concern in his voice.

Zhang Xing smiled faintly and shook his head. "I can't sleep—too many things to think about."

Li He sighed softly and stood next to Zhang Xing, gazing into the darkness beyond the village. They were both silent for a moment, lost in thought about what lay ahead.

"What's our next move?" Li He asked in a low voice, his eyes still fixed on the distant horizon.

"We need to unite more villages," Zhang Xing said after a moment of reflection. "Our single village won't be enough to withstand the court's suppression. They'll soon send more troops, and we need to be ready."

Li He nodded but then expressed his worry. "But the other villages might not want to rebel with us. Most people are still afraid of the court's retribution—afraid of being executed."

Zhang Xing knew this was a problem. Although they had won this battle, many farmers remained hesitant and fearful. The imperial authority had long cast a shadow over people's hearts, and breaking that fear wouldn't be easy.

"We need to give them hope," Zhang Xing said slowly. "If we can show them that we have a chance of winning, that there's a possibility of survival, they'll join us."

Li He frowned. "But convincing them won't be easy."

Zhang Xing's eyes grew resolute. "We have to do two things. First, win a few more decisive battles to prove to the surrounding villages that we're capable. Second, we need to help those still suffering from disasters, showing them that we're fighting for the survival of all farmers."

Li He agreed. "But where should we go next to find allies? The soldiers will come again, and I'm afraid we won't be able to hold the village."

After a brief pause, Zhang Xing thought of the nearby villages. "To the east, there are a few villages that have also suffered. I've heard rumors that some of them are secretly organizing resistance. If we can find them, we might be able to unite."

Li He's eyes brightened. "You mean Chen Village and Zhao Village? I've heard people there have been clashing more and more with the authorities."

"Exactly," Zhang Xing nodded. "We need to reach them before the court realizes what's happening. Only by rallying more forces can we truly resist the upcoming suppression."

Li He's face showed concern. "But the road to contact them is dangerous. There are reports of deserters and bandits along the way. With our limited manpower, what if we're ambushed?"

"We'll have to be cautious," Zhang Xing said calmly. "We can't take too many men—small numbers will be more agile." He paused before continuing, "I'll go to Chen Village and Zhao Village myself. The rest of you will stay and prepare the village's defenses."

"You're going yourself?" Li He was shocked. "That's too dangerous! You're our leader—what happens to the village if something happens to you?"

Zhang Xing smiled faintly. "That's precisely why I have to go. Only I can convince them to unite with us. If someone else goes, they might not trust us."

Li He wanted to argue further, but Zhang Xing's decision was firm. Knowing that Zhang Xing's mind was made up, Li He sighed. "Fine, I'll go with you. At least I can watch your back."

Zhang Xing nodded. "Alright, we'll leave at dawn."

With the decision made, they said no more and went to rest. Zhang Xing lay on his simple bed, closing his eyes, though his mind raced with the dangers they would soon face.

Before dawn, Zhang Xing was already up. He walked to the village entrance, watching the first rays of light pierce the horizon. Silently, he prayed for the success of the journey ahead, knowing that without it, their village had no future.

Li He had also risen early, bringing some dry rations and water skins. "Everything's ready," he said.

Zhang Xing nodded, and with Li He and a few capable villagers, they set off east on old horses. They avoided the main roads, taking winding paths through the countryside to stay clear of the soldiers' patrols.

The journey was rough, but fortunately, it went smoothly. By nightfall, they reached the outskirts of Chen Village. From a distance, the village appeared peaceful, as if no one had noticed their approach.

"We'll rest here for a bit and wait for nightfall before entering the village," Zhang Xing instructed, and Li He agreed.

As night descended, they quietly approached the village. Zhang Xing led the way, finding an old acquaintance—Chen Zhiyuan, the village head. Zhang Xing had met him at the market before, so they weren't strangers.

Chen Zhiyuan was surprised to see Zhang Xing. "Zhang Xing, what brings you here?"

Zhang Xing didn't waste time with small talk. "Zhiyuan, I know your village has faced a lot of trouble lately. I've come to discuss the possibility of an alliance."

Chen Zhiyuan frowned. "Alliance? What do you mean?"

Zhang Xing explained, "The court's taxes and oppression have only grown heavier. The Liaoxiang tax is making life unbearable for us. Our village has already started to resist. We even fought off a detachment of soldiers recently. But we know we can't survive alone. That's why I'm here—to ask if you'll join us in resisting the authorities."

Chen Zhiyuan's frown deepened. "Zhang Xing, you're bold, but this is rebellion! If the court finds out, you'll be executed for sure!"

Zhang Xing's expression was unwavering. "It's either we sit and wait for death, or we rise up and fight. Which will you choose? We have no way out."

Chen Zhiyuan was silent for a moment. Zhang Xing's words clearly gave him something to think about.